The Marshall Liberal Government has this week announced investment of more than $185 million into capital projects to support sustainable enrolment growth in government schools, to transition Year 7 into high school, and to allow other identified priority projects to proceed in a range of schools.
Detailed demographic analysis shows that around 10,000 places will be needed at 36 high schools over the next four years to accommodate Year 7 and an increased number of students enrolled in government schools more generally.
The suite of capital works includes:
- A $56.6 million package to improve facilities and meet projected enrolments at Roma Mitchell Secondary College, Port Augusta Secondary School, Nuriootpa High School, Mark Oliphant College, Eastern Fleurieu R-12 School, Playford International College, Seaview High School, Golden Grove High School, Heathfield High School and Mount Compass Area School
- $29.2 million for Glenunga International High School to grow to 2,200 places
- $18 million for Adelaide High School to grow to 1,800 places
- $13.8 million for Brighton High School to grow to 1,800 places
- $12.5 million for Unley High School to grow to 1,700 places, while retaining funding to deliver its pre-existing master plan; and
- $9.9 million for Norwood Morialta High School to grow to 1,700 places, co-locating on the Parade campus.
A further $22 million has also been allocated to support priority projects at Blackwood High School, Craigmore High School, Golden Grove High School, Heathfield High School, Henley High School, Kapunda High School, Mount Compass Area School, Seaview High School and Wirreanda High School, over and above meeting their capacity needs.
The Government is investing $10.3 million in disability funding to create 180 new places in special units and special classes across government high schools.
The Education Department will now begin working with schools to determine the appropriate locations for these units and classes. Placement will be based on student eligibility and priority.
$13 million will also be invested in a fleet of flexible learning spaces, increasing capacity across the system by 600 students, that can be deployed across schools experiencing short term enrolment spikes, as needed.
The fleet will consist of lightweight general and specialist learning areas including classrooms, science labs and art rooms.
It is expected that these spaces will contribute significantly to address capacity pressures while the new north and south schools are being built.
Education Minister John Gardner said that the Government’s investment will help deliver the world class education South Australian students deserve.
“The Marshall Liberal Government is delivering the biggest investment into education by any state government in South Australia’s history,” said Minister Gardner.
“To deliver a world class education system, we need our Year 7 students to be taught by specialist teachers in the specialist setting offered in high schools, as designed in the national curriculum.
“By 2022, South Australian students will no longer be left behind their counterparts in other states in the old 20th century schooling model which Labor wanted to retain.
“This investment will ensure our education system is prepared for increasing enrolment pressures across the state, is adequately equipped to accommodate Year 7 students in high school and delivers modern facilities that enhance the education experience of our students.
“Our investment in a fleet of flexible learning areas will also provide a cost-effective and quality solution to addressing capacity issues across our system, particularly while our new schools in the north and south are being built.
“It is also exciting that students with disability and their needs are being fully considered and included in this significant government commitment.
“Investing in new facilities for students with disability will ensure the support that these students receive in their primary setting will follow them to their new high school environment.
“These new places will continue to cater to the learning and care needs of children with disability to the highest possible standards.”
